It may not look like it, but this is in fact a cave or, rather, a converted cave. It is one of at least a thousand unique dwellings hewn out of the rock in the province of Granada in Southern Spain which have been there since the Bronze Age and are now being busily refurbished for modern-day troglodytes.
So don't so much think dark, damp and creepy as bone dry (the rock is a rare geological blend of flint and mica, which means it is totally impervious to water), snowily whitewashed throughout and fitted with every mod con. They have mains electricity and mains sewage, hot running water, fully flushing loos, phone-lines, TV and in some cases even broadband connection.
All this results in charmingly unusual properties with no straight edges, that are cool in the summer and warm in the winter caves keep a constant temperature of around 20 degrees and have an earthy, back-to-nature appeal. Plus they are cheap.
This particular top-of-the-range grotto home offers three bedrooms with en suite master, an open plan lounge/diner, patio area with barbeque, fully insulated external walls, double glazing and Norwegian log-burning stove plus unrivalled views across the valley of Andalucian Galera all for just 95,000 euros (approx £65,450).
This particular top-of-the-range grotto home offers three bedrooms with en suite master, an open plan lounge/diner, patio area with barbeque, fully insulated external walls, double glazing and Norwegian log-burning stove plus unrivalled views across the valley of Andalucian Galera all for just 95,000 euros (approx £65,450).
For further information contact Craig Edwards at cave specialists Spanish Inland Properties (00 34 9587 39032), www.spanish-inland-properties.com
The Independent
7th August 2005
